Test Drive: 2014 BMW i3

The rear doors are hinged on the back and swing open backward, while the front doors open conventionally. The doors latch into each other and the sill, eliminating the so-called "B" pillar between front and rear seating areas. Fabian Kirchbauer, BMW

Due to the lighter weight, the battery has less work to do, which allows for the use of a smaller, lighter battery that saves even more weight. It reduces charging time and increases range. Fabian Kirchbauer, BMW

The gearshift is a chunky lever jutting out from the steering column. Its concept is simple: Rotate the fat end forward to go forward. Rotate it back for reverse. Hit a separate button for park, and yet another button to start or stop the motor. Test Drive did not find it very intuitive. Fabian Kirchbauer, BMW

The interior is made using high quality renewable sources and recycled materials. Dashboard wood trim is crafted from responsibly forested eucalyptus. Felt-like material called kenaf covers most of the dashboard, but it has an unfinished look. Fabian Kirchbauer, BMW

During our test drive, we found the acceleration possessed a ferocity that was totally unexpected. Body lean is not an issue, especially for a car that feels SUV-high sitting inside. Fabian Kirchbauer, BMW